Role Function Differences Between School Psychologists Employed by School Districts and Regional Educational Agencies

ABSTRACT This study investigated differences in role functioning of school psychologists employed by school districts and regional educational agencies (intermediate units). A total of 636 full time school psychologist practitioners in Pennsylvania were surveyed and asked to estimate the actual percentage of time they spent in assessment, counseling, consultation, research, clerical tasks, and administration, and the amount of time they desired to spend in each of these roles. Results indicated that school psychologists employed by districts spent more time in administrative tasks than school psychologists employed by intermediate units. No other statistically significant differences in roles between school psychologists employed by these two entities were identified. However, differences in the actual time spent in assessment (in favor of intermediate units) and desired time spent in administrative tasks (in favor of districts) approached statistical significance.